PACIFIC ISLANDS ENTREPRENEURSHIP EXPO
Esther Wenau of the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce & Industry (VCCI) was thrilled to be invited to be a part of the Pacific Islands Entrepreneurship Expo held in Suva, Fiji at the Grand Pacific Hotel from 30th– 31st of August 2023.
The Global Green Growth (GGGI) along with partners UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji, the International Labour organization (ILO), Asia Development Bank (ADB) and ‘ygap’ pulled together a successful Pacific Island Expo that brought together supportive organizations who are dedicated to supporting MSME’s across the Pacific, promoting Creativity, Innovation, Resilience, Networking and Partnerships.
VCCI, in collaboration with GGGI have been working in partnership for the past two years to support local MSME’s develop their business skills, across Vanuatu. The 2-day regional expo brought together a range of stakeholders including development partners, entrepreneurs, and financial service providers that are invested in strengthening the entrepreneurship ecosystem in the Pacific Islands. The program including interactive workshops, panel discussions, an entrepreneurship showcase and competition and networking opportunities.
Over 150 entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship supporters from 7 countries engaged in vibrant networking and knowledge sharing wrapping up on a high note with GGGI’s Pacific Greenpreneurs Accelerator Regional Pitch Finals event where 7 finalists representing 5 Pacific Island countries (including Obed Matariki from Vanuatu) who pitched their business idea in front of a judging panel and audience.
Ms. Talei Tora of Ginger Lei from Fiji and Mr. Kaiea Ribanataake Awira from Clean Spatial Solutions from Kiribati clinched the top two spots winning an all-expense-paid study trip to Qatar, awarded by the Fiji Hon. Acting Minister for Trade, with 2nd Runner up Mr. Obed Matariki from Vanuatu, Organic Fish + Farm, collecting a cash grant prize, and a access to ongoing support to grow his business via exclusive networking opportunities. It was thrilling to see the passion in all the entrepreneurs present at the event driving innovation and green entrepreneurship in the Pacific region.
VCCI would like to thank GGGI and development partners who organized the event and look forward to next years opportunity to participate again!
